From left, Lake City Police Chief David Colwell, Lake City Mayor Willie Oswalt and Lake City Police Capt. Harold Simmons display the "dummy" firearm that will be used as part of the municipality's first gun safety class, scheduled for March 28 at the Lake City Community Center adjacent to Lake City City Hall, 5455 Jonesboro Road.

As a veteran police officer, Lake City Police Chief David Colwell has responded to what he said have been far too many emergency calls where someone had accidently shot themselves while handling a firearm.

“And, unfortunately, some of these have been fatal,” he added.

Although he has yet to respond to such a call in his present position, Colwell wants to keep it that way.

As a result, he announced last week formation of the first Lake City Gun Safety Class.

The class, which is free and open only to Lake City residents this first time, is set for March 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lake City Community Center, adjacent to City Hall, at 5455 Jonesboro Road.

However, Colwell emphasized that residents attending are not to bring any type of firearm to the class as the police department will have all class equipment and information handouts available at the meeting.

In addition to the safety aspect with regard to the handling of a firearm, Colwell and Lake City Police Capt. Harold Simmons will also discuss Georgia law regarding firearms in the home, when and where a firearm can be carried and laws and safety procedures pertaining firearms being kept at home, in one’s automobile or on his person.

Although no firearms are allowed in the class, Colwell said any one who has a firearm at home and wants to dispose of it by giving it to a Lake City officer will be advised of the procedure to do so.

All aspects of gun safety and possession will be discussed in class. Demonstrations will be part of the program.

“The class is so important as we want to make sure those who might possess a firearm is knowledgeable about all aspects of it,” Simmons said

Although the city would like at least 50 residents to attend, Simmons said if only one attends and gains a greater knowledge of firearms, it would be a success.

Colwell added that if there is good attendance, plans will be made to have another class and open it up to all Clayton County residents.

“The main point is to get the word out so that people will know how to safely handle a firearm and the laws pertaining to owning a firearm,” he said.

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